I don't think I'd put it in a press. Is it possible the lock pin is interfering with the ball? Sounds like about the right distance. Can you remove the lock pin and see down the hole it would go through?

Bandit- The locking pin has a unlock position where the pin is removed from all the holes and then slides forward to a unlocked position. It is physically nowhere near the holes. I can push a screwdriver through the holes.

Mine got stuck once, smack it from under the truck and it'll come out.
The lock pin in the unlock position is well out of the ball lock holes.
Smack it and polish the crap that builds up round the square shank.